Xavi Hernandez: “Lamine Yamal deserved the Ballon d’Or” | OneFootball

Former Barcelona manager Xavi recently spoke to MARCA and did not hold back when discussing Lamine Yamal, the young sensation who has taken the football world by storm.

Xavi, the person who gave Yamal his first chance and opportunity to debut, reflected on the prodigy’s rise and praised his talent in glowing terms.

“I’m very proud of what Lamine is doing and of having given him the opportunity to make his debut. I saw that he was very prepared despite being only fifteen years old.

“I saw that he was very confident, very capable, making a difference in training. He wasn’t afraid of anything.

“From day one, he made a difference. For me, he’s one of the chosen ones and he can make his mark on world football. He has no complexes, no fears whatsoever,” Xavi said.

Deserved the Ballon d’Or

When asked if Yamal should have won the Ballon d’Or ahead of Ousmane Dembele, Xavi was clear but realistic.

“This time, the collective titles carried more weight. For me, of course, he deserved it. Vitinha, Salah, Pedri, and Raphinha also deserved it.

Xavi feels Lamine Yamal deserved the Ballon d’Or this year. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

“There are many who deserve it, but in the end, the titles carry more weight. Lamine will win it. I’m convinced of that, but when his team wins the Champions League or the World Cup.”

Yamal’s burst under Xavi

Xavi also reflected on whether he expected Yamal’s rapid rise after giving him his debut.

“Yes, definitely. We talked about it among the staff. We said he was Ballon d’Or material.

“Watching him train, you could already see something different; you immediately realise that he was one of the chosen ones.”

He went on to discuss the role of midfielders in modern football and how players like Vitinha, Pedri, and De Jong often dominate games, yet exceptional talents like Lamine and Dembele can decide crucial moments.

“Vitinha, Pedri, and De Jong are the ones who dominate games. That used to be me. I was there.

“They’re very important, but then there are the chosen ones like Lamine, Dembelé, and others from the past who are decisive in close games,” he noted.